National Safe Work Month 2020

The National Safe Work Month is all about everyone's health and safety. On average, Australians spend one third of their lives at work. As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your workers. While safety is a serious matter, it does not have to be complicated.

Held every October of each year, the National Safe Work Month is a campaign that helps spread the message of workplace health and safety practices and encourages employers to take action to improve safety for their employees and the wider community. Given the unfortunate effects of COVID-19, this year’s National Safe Work Month theme is Work Health and Safety through COVID-19.

This year, workplaces needed to rapidly adapt to the pandemic. This has meant changing practices and procedures to lower the risks of health issues associated with COVID-19. These risks include being exposed to the virus and its mental health impacts on workers.

The National Safe Work Month theme highlights the WHS challenges that have been faced by both employers and employees, as well as the positive outcomes brought on by the pandemic and the significant role WHS plays in keeping workers safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

To participate in the event, follow these steps:

1. Visit National Safe Work Month Website and download the series of resources from the campaign kit.

2. Customise and share the resources with your workplace, teammates, supervisor and/or health and safety representative. You can also share the resources via social media, email, virtual meeting or by distributing in print.

3. Go to the National Safe Work Month Web Page to download posters and social media tiles and promote the weekly topics.

4. See what’s in your state and register for a webinar, online training course or virtual presentation on WHS topics relevant to your organisation or industry.

5. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #safeworkmonth and #safetytogether when promoting National Safe Work Month on social media.

6. Keep an eye on the National Safe Work Month website or subscribe to their mailing list to keep updated on the latest news.

Regardless of the industry you work in, you can surely do something to help make your workplace safer. Some practical tips include:

  • Recognising potential risks and hazards in your workplace and reporting these to your work health and safety representative or management.
  • Being aware of your safety and that of your colleagues.
  • Making sure to take regular breaks or alternate tasks when possible.
  • Avoiding wet areas while cleaning is in progress. Hence, the use of caution signs is recommended.
  • Wearing appropriate safety footwear, suitable to your job.
  • Making sure walkways are clear of obstructions.
  • Using correct lifting techniques.

    • While National Safe Work Month puts a strong focus on workplace health and safety every month of October, workplace health and safety should remain a priority all year round.

    Both employers and employees should practice what they learn during National Safe Work Month, every month of the year. Continue reinforcing your health and safety messages to ensure work health and safety is not forgotten!

    Let us work together to navigate WHS during COVID-19 and beyond. For your work and personal safety needs, browse our comprehensive range now!